Discover our locals' 135 hidden gems in Los Angeles

Discover the real Los Angeles with Spotted by Locals! From tucked-away taco joints to local beaches and bars, our Spotters show you the city's authentic vibe. Explore LA like a true local and uncover its hidden gems.

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City guides by those who know Los Angeles best!

Travel Guides by these Los Angeles Locals!

Our Los Angeles Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Los Angeles like a local!

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Los Angeles through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Los Angeles

Check out our latest hidden gems in Los Angeles

Things to do in Los Angeles

The Music Center

Enjoy the arts!

"The Music Center" in downtown Los Angeles--the place to go for opera, theater, music & dance! I love coming here, even just to enjoy the area while eating.

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Art & culture
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Music
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Theaters

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Kristina

Nikols

Jun 8, 2025

Native Foods Cafe

Ready for vegan food?

"Native Foods Cafe" in Westwood is one of my favorite places to go to for vegan food. They make seasonal dishes and use organic, non-GMO ingredients...

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Restaurants
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Snacks

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Kristina

Nikols

Jun 8, 2025

Travel Town

All aboard!

"Travel Town" in Griffith Park, LA s is the coolest train station/museum in Califoria. It's really an interactive train park for children & grown-ups!

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

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Val

Douroux

Jun 8, 2025

Kettle Glazed

A new way to eat S'mores

"Kettle Glazed" Los Angeles is the place for donut lovers seeking ever changing, unique flavors such as Bacon Maple & S'mores. They even carry vegan options!

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Snacks

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Kristina

Nikols

Jun 8, 2025

The Vegan Joint

Thai twist on vegan food

"The Vegan Joint" in Culver City is a popular neighborhood spot that has frequent and loyal customers. I typically order a lentil burger and Thai Iced Tea.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Kristina

Nikols

Jun 8, 2025

EightyTwo

Fun for a quarter

"EightyTwo," a Los Angeles arcade perfect for stepping back into your childhood--hello Ms. Pac-Mac!

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Bars
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Relaxing

by

Kristina

Nikols

Jun 8, 2025

Real Food Daily (RFD)

Organic food

"Real Food Daily" (RFD) Los Angeles: All organic, vegan, and gluten free cuisine! One of my go-to spots when I'm out and about.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Kristina

Nikols

Jun 8, 2025

Santa Monica Parking Garage

Take in the view

The Santa Monica Parking Garage has a great view on the upper levels and has free 90-minute parking. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week...

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Relaxing

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Kristina

Nikols

Jun 8, 2025

Al Wazir Chicken

Kabob craving?

"Al Wazir Chicken" has the best Mediterranean food in Los Angeles for a decent price. I've only had great experiences with their customer service!

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Restaurants

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Kristina

Nikols

Jun 8, 2025

Singing Beach Chairs

Lalalalalalala

The "Singing Beach Chairs" located on Santa Monica Beach are a fun public art display that you can climb up on! Created by Doug Hollis in 1987...

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Kristina

Nikols

Jun 8, 2025

Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round

Go on a ride!

The "Griffith Park Merry Go Round" in Los Angeles was the inspiration for Disneyland... I came here as a kid and still enjoy it today!

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Kristina

Nikols

Jun 7, 2025

Glendale Galleria

For the shopper in you

"Glendale Galleria" is the third largest shopping mall in Los Angeles county. With over 260 stores and 3 levels, I can easily spend hours here!

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Art & culture
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Shopping

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Kristina

Nikols

Jun 7, 2025

Heading to Los Angeles?

135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Los Angeles?

✓ Escape the Crowds

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✓ Authentic Stories

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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